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GCD’s School of Worship

The School of Worship offers a Certificate in Worship Leadership. This certificate is a one-year program that includes thirty credit hours of academic work and an extensive music practicum in the students’ area of specialization. Students may choose either instrumental, vocal, or dance specialization in this school. The students involved in this program will be required to participate on a Worship Team at a local church at a designated time. This program puts in place the musical talent of our students. Also, students will be able to minor in worship if interested in a Bachelors of Divinity degree.

We are working to make our worship program better with updated courses that include even more practical experience in production, sound, and real-world worship leadership. These new courses and practical experiences will begin in the Fall of 2016.

Student Experience: Gideon Holman

“Once I graduated from theExperience with a certificate of Christian leadership, I decided to go to the School of Worship at GCD. What made me want to go into this branch of GCD was the fact that their School of Worship seemed more well-rounded than that of other Christian colleges I’ve researched. At other colleges, their worship program included two Music Theory classes, a worship class thrown in there that mainly focused on stage presence, and some music lessons. While GCD does have Music Theory and Worship Leadership classes under their curriculum, they also offer a leadership class based off of Tim Elmore’s Habitudes book series, multiple theology classes, cultural anthropology, and a practicum that’s focused on learning how to use your vocals, how to direct the band, how to use the top tech gear for modern worship, (ableton, logic Pro X, and Looptimus) both leading the worship team onstage and offstage. I’ve only been through this program for a year now, but because of how well-rounded the program is and because of the dedication of the teachers I have, I feel like I am more equipped to lead a group of people in worship to Jesus through the vehicle of music. Although going through a worship program is good on its own, I would strongly suggest to anyone that, while going through the School of Worship, you join a worship team at a local church. Doing this will give you extra credibility, because not only will you have the knowledge of the worship leader, you will also have practical experience.”

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GCD School of Leadership

This school consists of the Certificate in Church Leadership, Certificate in Christian Leadership, and the Associates, Bachelors, and Masters of Christian Leadership. This school focuses on equipping students who are interested in leadership in any context, whether that be in the church, non-profit organizations, or wherever the student feels called to lead. The courses for this school are aligned in four specific disciplines: Biblical and Organizational Leadership, Biblical Studies, Theology, and Practical Ministry. Students interested in this specific school will be required to complete 30-120 credit hours depending on their program and they will be required to fulfill GCD’s Christian Service requirement. Some of the Bible and theology courses in the undergraduate School of Leadership include Introduction to Theology, Hermeneutics and Old and New Testament Survey, but also this school includes more specific classes on leadership such as Collaborative Teams and Innovation, Social Entrepreneurship, Ethics, Mentoring and Coaching, and Introduction to Organizational Leadership.

“Leadership is a complex and passionate process that involves the influence of a leader on a group to achieve a common goal. The leader has to employ his time in working for a present that builds the future. This level of understanding requires the ability to look beyond the horizon and to consider the skills, tools and changes that are required to reach that vision of the future. There are not a specific set of traits and abilities to be a leader, these varies depending on the circumstances. Leadership is a process that is getting more importance with the time. In my opinion, all the changes that are having place in the world are demanding leaders with character and emotional intelligence.”

“Also, I am passionate about the issue of emotional intelligence. I remember several occasions when I thought how useful it would be if a certain leader realized the power of doing things with the rest of the group, leaving behind his ego and personal interests. At the time, I did not have the knowledge of the ‘right way’ of doing things, but I thought there had to be another way of leading a team. The world would be quite different with spiritually mature leaders. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity of being in GCD Master Program because it is giving me the tools and the knowledge to go further and to become a better individual and an effective leader who works and acts in a way that honors God.”

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Transformational Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations

Transformational leadership is a rising form of leadership. This is not only a popular form of leadership, it is effective and specifically for non-profit organizations. So, what is Transformational Leadership and why should your non-profit organization embrace this form of leadership?

First, let us do a quick overview of Bass’ transformational leadership theory.

Idealized Influence:

Every person wants a leader that they believe is worthy of following, leaders who lead by example and who embody the values and vision of the organization. These types of leaders influence their followers to also become individuals who demonstrate high levels of respect and integrity while embracing and internalizing the values and vision of the organization.

Inspirational Motivation:

Not only should leaders embody the values and vision of the organization, but they should also share it in an inspiring way, providing both meaning and challenge to the followers.

Intellectual Stimulation:

Do you always do the same thing you always did just because you have always done it that way? Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” A transformational leader uses their intellect to creatively problem solve and to develop creative ideas for the future.

Individualized Consideration:

Considering each individual within an organization or group can be difficult. While the leader is embodying the organization’s values, the leader must also consider each person that makes up the organization, encouraging and helping each individual according to their individual specific needs. This focus is not simply for transactional purposes, but to strengthen the individual which will grow them, and ultimately will build up the organization.

Why does this type of leadership work so well with non-profit organizations?

– The leader working for a non-profit organization has a value and vision of an organization that is transformational in itself. Non-profit organizations are in the business of change for a purpose, and often those working with these types of companies have a higher purpose, a passion to make a difference and are doing so through working at a non-profit organization.

– Non-profit organizations are all about bringing meaning and challenge to others. Many of these organizations would not exist if they were not able to do this. Some accomplish this through helping find a cure for cancer or stopping child trafficking; non-profit organizations tug on the hearts of people today to make a difference for ourselves, for others, and for the future.

– Non-profit organizations must continue to creatively problem solve and to develop creative future ideas to be able to figure out how to cure cancer, how to stop child trafficking, and many other problems today that continually increase and must be addressed.

– Many of these organizations were developed because of the individual. It is not about the comfort of the many, but the needs of the few. As societies come together and help those in need it strengthens the individual and the entire community.

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People are always looking for someone to follow. We are sheep in a pasture looking for a shepherd. We may find a shepherd in the President. We may find a shepherd in our parents, or boss. As Christians, though, we recognize Christ as the ultimate shepherd. As He says of Himself in John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”

Christ as a leader exemplified three traits — compassion, charisma, and confidence. It was through these three traits that Christ led his disciples to advance the Church.

Compassion

To lead someone we must be able to show compassion. In Matthew 15:32 Christ says And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, “I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” If our students, employees, peers, etc. believe that we do not care about them, they are less willing to follow. Compassion also builds trust. If someone believes you care for their well-being, then they will respond more positively to feedback and critiques.

Charisma

Charisma is the passion and power behind a leader; it is what draws people to them. Christ had an infectious spirit. Thousands of people would come great distances just to see Him and hear Him speak. Others quit their jobs on the spot to go and follow Christ. Matthew 4:20, speaking about the disciples, tells us, “Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”

Confidence

Christ is a perfect example of confidence. He was assured in what He was teaching. Even as a young child He had no problem being bold and confident. In Luke 2:46-47, we read that “After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.” As a 12 year old He was bold enough to stay behind and lecture the elders at the temple.

Christ was a compelling leader. He inspired others and gave value to those who felt worthless. Christ did not think little of His people; He made them feel important and encouraged them. He led with compassion, charisma, and confidence. His leadership impacted nations and saved souls.

Isaiah 40:11Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

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Transformational Leadership from a Christian Perspective

What is transformational Leadership?

Transformational Leadership is a type of leadership used to grow and transform a community. It is a process where a leader can connect and interact with their followers and transform their lives by increasing the level of morality and motivation. This type of leader focuses on the mission of the organization by motivating their followers through role modeling the vision, challenging each individual to grow and ask questions, considering the needs of the individual, and inspiring the employees through motivation to reach their fullest potential. Often this type of leader is charismatic and enthusiastic since they are focused and passionate about the mission of the organization. In the Christian world, an example of a transformational leader would be a worship pastor who motivates the worship team to improve their skills with different ways of rehearsing or performing. A transformational leader would be someone who encourages a person to become better for the sake of the whole team, like a mentor or an accountability partner.

A transformational leader is a good listener who does not judge your situation but encourages you to keep going and tells you to never give up. This is a leader who is focused on the mission, calling, and vision of the organization.

In Manna Church and Grace College of Divinity (GCD) we are blessed to have different transformational leaders who encourage us, the youth, to work hard for our dreams and to not give up on them. They motivate us to not quit and keep pushing through until we reach our calling as a group and as individuals as well.

A great example of a transformational leader from the Scriptures is Abraham; was one of the best transformational leaders in the Bible. He became a great transformational leader by creating a vision, having courage and confidence, caring about people, and having a strong sense of justice. The founder of the Experience, Shawn Withy-Allen, GCD and Manna Church’s Christian internship program, often says, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

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What makes up a Christian Leader?

What is a Christian Leader?

Successful leadership is not about being tough or soft, sensitive or assertive, but about a set of attributes. First and foremost is character” — Warren Benni

At some point in your life you will be required to lead something or someone. It may be a group project in school or an assignment in the workplace. Whatever it may be, you will have a defining moment to step up and be a leader. To do this effectively you must know 5 key traits of a fruitful Christian leader

Traits that a fruitful Christian leader needs are:

Positivity/optimism—– hopefulness and confidence of the future

Integrity— doing what is right when no one is looking

Communication— the ability to convey a message clearly

Confidence—-a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities

Humility—- modest, not arrogant or prideful, not lacking in self confidence (humility is not to be confused with insecurity)

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

— Abraham Lincoln

WHY DO WE NEED THESE CHARACTERISTICS TO BE GOOD LEADERS?

To keep your team on the right path you must be optimistic even in the face of opposition. When you are thrown a curveball you react in a positive manner to keep your team spirits high. As a leader you must be the one most excited about your project and vision. Your team’s energy is always one level below your own.

You must also have integrity. As a leader you will be held to higher standards, you will be living in a glass bowl. If you do not have a good moral compass and sense of integrity then you will not be respected. Without integrity your promises hold little value.

Confidence is key to leading. To cast a vision or purpose effectively you must have confidence in yourself and the direction you are going. At the same time humility is essential. Without humility confidence simply becomes pride or arrogance. No one wants to follow an arrogant leader. Humility however does not mean that you must be insecure. You may acknowledge your skills and talents without bragging about them. Arrogance and insecurity have no place in leadership.

Philippians 2:3–

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves

Finally you must have good communication. Everyday you use different communication skills. Whether it is through phone calls, social media, or face to face you will communicate with someone everyday. Good communication is helpful when you are trying to accomplish a task or cast vision to a group. Without the necessary communication skills you will lead everyone into chaos and nothing will be accomplished.

1 Timothy 4:12–

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Anyone can and will be a leader. You will face a situation when your character will be tested and you will be required to lead. In such situations these 5 basic character traits will be a key foundation for your success.

“No man can climb out beyond the limitations of his own character.”

— John Morle

Written by Belle Szalkowski

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Grace College of Divinity is a biblical higher education institution dedicated to Preparing Emerging Leaders to Change the World by advancing the Kingdom of God through sound biblical training, practical ministry and personal development.